Solar energy graces the Mediterranean

Distributed generation (DG) technologies involve small plants that dispense energy in an efficient fashion to minimise loss of energy from transport over long distances. When combined with renewable energy sources (RES), the result is cleaner energy that respects the environment and encourages sustainable management.

The EU-funded project 'Promotion and consolidation of all RTD activities for renewable distributed generation technologies in the Mediterranean region' (Distres) analysed, outlined and disseminated good practices in RES-DG technologies. It identified promising RES-DG technologies that reduce emissions, focusing in particular on solar energy such as photovoltaics and thermal concentrating systems.

Not only was this information valuable for the Mediterranean region but for Europe as well, contributing to the EU's aspirations to migrate towards a green hydrogen economy. The project's results were disseminated through workshops, conferences, newsletters, scientific journals and the European Commission. A dedicated website offered valuable information on new technologies and covered relevant policies in several sectors.

The results of Distres were aimed at end-users, manufacturers, regulators, researchers and utility companies, encouraging the exploitation of such systems in both Europe and the Mediterranean region.

The project's final conference attracted over 150 participants from 19 countries. The event published 58 scientific papers and featured several important presentations on RES delivered by key scientists.

Overall, Distres provided tools to assess opportunities in Mediterranean countries and exploit RES-DG technologies. These tools supported investment decisions and included capacity-building methodologies that furthered the project's aims, giving a much needed boost to green energy in the concerned regions.